Khojaly Tragedy: Hundreds of Azerbaijani Civilians Killed
WarEcho Team news
Armenian forces capture Khojaly, resulting in deaths of hundreds of Azerbaijani civilians in war's deadliest single massacre
Armenian forces captured the Azerbaijani-populated town of Khojaly in Nagorno-Karabakh, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of civilians in what became the deadliest single massacre of the war.
The Attack
On the night of February 25-26:
- Armenian forces surrounded Khojaly
- Town had strategic importance (airport)
- Civilian evacuation routes reportedly left open
- Many civilians fled toward Aghdam
The Massacre
What happened to fleeing civilians:
- Hundreds killed along escape route
- Bodies found scattered over several kilometers
- Many showed signs of mutilation
- Families killed together
Death Toll
Azerbaijani figures:
- 613 civilians killed (including 106 women, 83 children)
- 1,275 taken hostage
- 150 missing
Human Rights Watch:
- At least 161 civilians confirmed dead
- Acknowledged large-scale civilian deaths
Competing Narratives
Azerbaijan: Planned genocide and ethnic cleansing
Armenia:
- Military operation gone wrong
- Civilians caught in crossfire
- Evacuation corridor was provided
- Some blame Azerbaijani forces
International Response
- Human Rights Watch documented massacre
- European Parliament condemned
- UN Security Council expressed concern
- No international legal proceedings
Long-term Impact
- Defining trauma for Azerbaijan
- Annual commemorations
- Complicated peace negotiations
- Propaganda tool for both sides
- Demands for justice ongoing
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